18 July 2013

Noela Nancarrow's Review of Safe In His Arms by Colleen Coble

‘Safe In His Arms’ is a Texas tale of ranching life on
the rolling acres of the Triple T ranch; of low-down murderin’ bank robbers,
and a gripping, heart-stirring love! You could rightly say it’s as much a tale
of trusting God and others as believing in and learning to love yourself.

Tall, red-haired Margaret O’Brien prides herself as a
top ranch-hand, just as good as any man. However, her Pa would like to see his
daughter dolled up in dresses, getting hitched and giving him grandchildren!
Margaret can’t see that happening and views herself as manly and unlovable. She
wears britches, has her long hair braided, and is likely to have bits of cow
manure stuck on her pants and boots.

Green-eyed Margaret has a passion and a purpose with
her life on the ranch and doesn’t want things to change. She takes great pride
in seeing the cattle fat and content, making sure the barns are in good repair,
and the workers taken care of.

Each time Margaret gazes on over the ranch spread, she
is struck anew with its beauty and will grab a few moments to take it all in.
She eyes with pride their low-set stuccoed home set between two cottonwood
trees nestled in the valley, admires her rose bushes running the length of the
deck, and smiles at the longhorns grazing on the hills around the ranch. But
Margaret’s eyes also hold a deep sadness within. If only her Pa could show
appreciation for her hard work, some words of praise rather than always finding
fault with her.

When the handsome, dark-haired Daniel Cutter is hired
as the new foreman by her father Paddy O’Brien, Margaret feels the sting of
rejection from her Pa once again. She knows she could do the job capably
herself. She is unsettled for another reason too as she can see that there’s a
far side more to this new foreman than what he’d like them all to think. After
all, no self-respecting foreman would wear thin shirts, and fancy pants and
boots for work on a ranch!

This overly self-confident, tall, broad-shouldered
stylish man, becomes an enigma to her. He declares that she is beautiful and
treats her as such, but Margaret feels there must be some reason for him to
lie. When she begins to believe he just may be genuine after all, she overhears
a shocking conversation between Daniel and another man. And now she’s out to
gather more evidence against him to protect her father, the ranch, and herself.

But she is not prepared to continue to see the side of
Daniel that’s touching her deep within. How can an unlawful dangerous man treat
her so tenderly, and more to the point, how could he possibly talk to her about
God and pray so sincerely?!

Margaret tries to get to the bottom of the mystery
surrounding Daniel, but in doing so, finds herself in terrible danger. There is
also a heap of trouble going on at the ranch including Margaret’s father being
attacked. What is going on? And who is responsible for these attacks on her Pa?
What will Margaret put her trust in – her heart, or in what she sees and hears?

This charming, yet exciting story will cause you to
flip the pages constantly until the end! There is an outstanding message
illustrated throughout this book about the battle some women face with the
age-old message of beauty being too important, and that you are less of a
person if you don’t fit into the mold. When in fact, God loves us just as we
are, warts and all, and so will others. We can be safe, and
loved, in His arms.

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, or
your local bookstore.

__________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY:Colleen is
graciously offering a copy of one of her new releases (reader's choice) in
choice of format. * International – ebook only.

Answer the question to be entered in the contest!

QUESTION: Have you ever felt
like you haven’t fitted into ‘society’ perfectly, and what advice would you
share to others who may feel the same?

59 comments:

I want this book Colleen. Thanks Noela for this review. I love the cover too. And, I love these kinds of stories. I would love to win, but, I think I'm jinxed on the blog. :( BUT, I do love all of these OWG girls. God bless each of you. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

Oh MAXIE, nooo you're not jinxed, your name has GOT to come up soon!! :) We want you to win so much! And we love you too, you are a blessing to us all Maxie!I'm like you Maxie, I love these kinds of stories as well - and this one was definitely a real treat to read. :)

I would love to have a copy of this book ... I adore Colleen Coble .. and when I saw this was actually dated on our 43rd wedding anniversary ... I though (hmm a sign). Yes, I think so many of us feel that we don't often fit in ... sometimes as Christians. Which I hold my head up high as I know that I have God with me at all times and I am ever so proud to be a Christian. ... fortunately, we now live in a smaller town that is strongly Christian and it is so wonderful to see so many in our faith .. it makes my heart swell ... but whenever I am in an uncomfortable situation ... and at my age there have been plenty ... I, do what so many Christians do ... I pray for the strength I recieve from Jesus ... as I know I would never have made it though so much that has happened in my life without him carrying me. Yes, good, bad, and otherwise .. his strength has pulled me through and doing it graciously is always important .. trying to never be on the defensive as that puts on at a disadvantage always!!! I look foward to reading this book .. we (our adult daughter, my husband (yes he is a romantic at heart is isn't afraid to admit it .. and he is 100% man), and I have read all of Colleen's books and always look forward to each and everyone of her new books coming out! Obviously this one is no different!

This sounds like a GREAT book for me! I love her books, and I would love to have this one! I feel at times I don't fit into society. I feel like I should have been born during the "Little House on the Prairie" times. I love reading about the experiences during this time. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.susanlulu@yahoo.com

NOELA great job on this review, I have this on my kindle and I HAVE to find time to read it!

As for your question; I guess in my younger days I was a lot more shy than I am now and I felt I didn't fit in anywhere but PTL I have become more "comfortable in my skin" the older I have gotten. That has to be the work of the Lord 'cause I used to worry about what everyone thought about me and now I figure if you like me that's great and if you don't that's ok too! lol

Thanks TERESA... and yes, you will have to squeeze this one in because I know you'd absolutely love it!! :)

I'm much the same Teresa... when I was younger I was really shy and awkward! But I'm very different now to what I used to be. I think that this is probably one of the few bonuses of getting older, lol!

I have a few single friends and I know that sometimes they feel like that too. They do enjoy getting together however and having fun without the responsibilities! :) Trusting God with you that at the perfect time and in His will, He will grant you your heart's desires!!

This is a fantastic series PATTY, one of my favourite's - and so I hope you get to read this one too! Thanks for dropping by!

Noela, loved the review. I so love Colleen's books and this one sounds wonderful and I would love to win a copy.

I enjoy reading about the "olden-days" way back when-early 1800-1900's. Stories like this one takes us back to a time in our history that I love to read about. So much has changed since then, not all of it good.

Society expects us to act/talk/live a certain way to fit in....being a Christian I don't always fit in their mold, have even been called a "prude" many times because I don't do the things others do, especially if it goes against my faith. I would rather please God than those who want me to change to fit their mold.

Some times i dont feel like i fit into ‘society’ ,because i think things should be done like back in the early years where women dressed modest, no filthy talk, stayed home cared for family, and my advice would be, be who you are , be how you feel. dont worry about what others think. and i would love to win this book thanks jcisforme@aol.com

Great answer SHIRLEY! I definitely don't fit into society's mold either. We even taught our children it's better not to drink alcohol so as to be a better witness and not to be a stumbling block to others. So we really go against the grain.. :)

What an awesome review, NOELA! Love that cover! I love SHIRLEY'S answer above. I don't party, talk filthy, go to clubs like some acquaintances do, etc, but as long as the King of Kings is pleased with me, I'm ok with me. GOOD question, NOELA!!

Why thank you DIANA.. :) I agree, it is a fabulous cover, and a fabulous story too!! Good on ya Diana... as you say, it's all about our Lord, the King of KIngs, and whether HE is pleased with us... not others! Hugs!

As I have reconnected with friends from high school on facebook, I realized how much I do not fit in with their views on society, morals, and basically anything of importance. Most are not Christians and I try to be a "light" on my posts by exhibiting love for God, but also kindness toward even those I don't agree with. However, I really feel like an outsider looking in on some of their conversations as their perspective on life is very different than mine.

Thanks for having this giveaway.Brittany McEuenkbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)come

Thanks BRITTANY! I know exactly how you feel.. We feel so different because in a way we are... according to God's word, our eyes have been opened, and so we see a whole lot more... even though those who don't know God, will often be quick to say that Christians are close-minded! :)

LOL, oh yes, I definitely have felt like I didn't fit it. Switched schools in 2nd grade where I went from being the most popular kid (kids used to fight over holding my hand on the playground!!) to being the butt of jokes and picked last on teams. You see, the change of schools prompted a breakout of psoriasis, so more than once the old nun who taught the 2nd grade would say to me in front of the class, "Are you sure it's not leprosy?" It might as well been because the kids treated me like a leper, which prompted me to wear knee socks and sweaters in sweltering weather to hide the psoriasis.

In 5th grade, I switched schools again and made up my mind that I was through trying to please people and win friends. I ripped off the knee socks and sweaters and thrust my chin out, daring anybody to make fun of me. Lo and behold, the sun got to the psoriasis and healed it up. I then became one of the most popular kids in the class again, so you might say that roller-coaster of people's approval taught me to be true to myself and be WHO I am ALL of the time. Those who like your personality will like you and those who don't won't, but at least you will like yourself for being honest and real. :)

Fabulous answer JULIE, I really appreciate you sharing that great advice from your experience with everyone!!

I have to admit, you did make me LOL when I read what your 2nd grade teacher would say, gosh, I can't believe she said that!! How sad though that as such a young kid, the nun's didn't give you more support and encouragement.

Amen to being ourselves and being honest and real - God made us all unique for a reason, so it stands to reason, He wants us to be US. :)

I currently feel that I don't fit into society, but I'm totally fine with it. I do my best to live my life the way I think God wants me to. I have very strong morals and many people frown upon that. As far as advice for others, I'd say, follow your heart and what the Bible guides you to do. God will always be there. Ü

Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest for Colleen's book.cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

Sometimes I wonder CINDI if any of us really 'fit' in... and I think as Christians, we really don't want to!! 'In the world, but not a part of it..'GREAT advice also that you've shared with everyone Cindi, thanks!

It is so great to read these comments about you who are trying to live for God......yay, me too! HE is the one we should please!Would love to win Colleen's Rosemary Cottage.......love her books.jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

I felt that way all through high school! I had friends, but no close ones. It was often discouraging but I had strong family support to lean on. Once I got into college, it was a whole new world- no crazy high school drama, and I loved every minute of it :)

Thanks for sharing HEIDI! High school is like that for so many of us - it can be a very difficult time in our lives as we slowly mature and learn more about ourselves and what's important to us. So glad to hear you had strong family support during that time - what a blessing for you to have that!

Very nice review - made me want to read the book. Sounds like Margaret has her hands full. What person hasn't felt out of place at some time? I've seen this in myself at various times, but the real heart breaker is to see one of my children feeling inferior and out of place. At my age - old - I'm full of advice, but find that somehow through prayer and love...the tides change. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway and the chance to win a great read.

Thank you BARBARA - that's SO great you want to read it now... we love hearing that with reviews don't we?! :) It really is a brilliantly told story, and is filled with much encouragement and wisdom also, which you don't always get to see in books.Barbara, you strike me as a very lovely, wise woman and I imagine you have a whole heap of great advice to share. I pray you get many opportunities to pass on to others what you have learnt..I hope you get the chance to read this wonderful book Barbara!! Blessings.

That's pretty great advice APPLE BLOSSOM!! :) It is so important to maintain Christ's standards that He set for us, even if it means we don't 'fit' into society as the world expects us to. Thanks for coming by! God bless.

Great review!! I would love to win this book. Colleen is a wonderful author. Looking forward to reading her book. There has been times many years ago I felt out of place because of my religion. My faith and Mom kept me going when I was low. Now, I have been around those people and it's totally different, so I'm thankful I never changed. Please enter me in the giveaway.Barbara Thompsonbarbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Hi BARBARA, thank you so much, it is always so lovely to see you! I agree wholeheartedly with you about COLLEEN and I really hope you get a chance to read this wonderful book!

The wonderful thing about God is that He is always with us, will never leave us, and will never stop loving us! It's sad when you think about how the world offers so very little and yet people clamour for it, whereas God offers so much..

Wow, sounds like this book has a lot to recommend it, Noela! Thanks for the review! I think everyone feels like they don't fit in at some point. The enemy uses that to mess us up--if we let him. Great Q! Blessings!

You're welcome CARRIE and thanks, it was a fabulous book to review and one with such an important message to share as well!Because we all do feel that at some point, I feel it's so important that we know we are all unique and created to be ourselves... and not to fit into a 'mold' of the worlds making. God bless you!

That's great CHERYL! I hope anyone reading this that feels the same way will see that these feelings can and do change just as in your case and really, in most of us! It's when we focus more on others and especially on God, that the 'need' to fit in lessons its hold on us dramatically and we begin to see what's really important. :)

Great review--sounds like a great book that I would love to have--thanks for the opportunity for us to possibly win one of Coleen's books!I remember that in HS there was a young gal who moved in with her aunt & ucle because of some sort of family issues at home, & she was quite vivacious and seemed to be very popular and happy. A few years later, when I was living in the married students housing at the Bible College where my husband & I attended, this same gal moved in a few apartments down from us with her husband. After talking with her, I found out that it was a very hard time in her life at that time and that her vivacious personality was actually a cover-up for the hurt in her life at that time, and that she felt very UN-confident! And she thought of me, as being confident, because I was so involved in church, not to mention had a great Christian family & 'normal' family life. So, it goes to show you, that while we may feel shy and unaccepted, it is all in our own thoughts and that many times others may have totally different thoughts about us. We have to live by our own morals and trust God to guide our steps. We are who God wants us to be!Vicki

Thanks so much for sharing that perspective VICKI. We do often build up things in our head much worse than things are... and that includes our perception of what others think of us. A much better idea to just be true to ourselves and to God!!

Glad you liked the review of Colleen's book, Vicki! Good luck in the competition! :)

Wonderful review! Yes, I do feel I don't fit into society but I embrace it. I don't want to be one of the crowd. I am a child of God and thus will stand out and be different and live my life for Him - not society!

AMEN SUSAN!!! :) I thinks it's a bit sad when some Christians feel they need to become like non-Christians to reach them. It just doesn't work, and the danger is that the believer could lose his way.. God bless!!

Many times I have felt like I didn't fit in. Unfortunately it used to hurt my feelings. I have since learned that I don't have to apologize for being myself. I have learned that the problem isn't necessarily me....I can live my life and my values and hold my head high.

I love the plot of this one! I often feel like I don't fit in, from not wanting to be all made up and stylish and perfect-looking to being a Christian witness at work. I just try to remember God made us each unique and He has a plan! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

You're so right VERONICA, we are all so very different and unique and God can use us ALL if we're available to Him... because of our differences and not just in spite of them! :) It's an awesome book and yep, a great plot!! Bless you and all the best of luck!

All my life I felt like I did not fit in. My father is a pastor and I went to 4 schools before graduating from high school. Was always the new kid on the block. I was overweight,very shy and wore hand me down clothes so therefore I was an easy target for someone to pick on.

Thank you for sharing BONNIE... I imagine changing schools four times before graduating would have made things so much harder for you, when fitting in at school isn't easy even at the best of times. I'm so sorry you had to go through that Bonnie! I hope that from your difficult times that your heart of compassion and understanding will be able to encourage and help others.. God bless you Bonnie!

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Winners for 2017 per random.org:

Box of book from my "Just" post:

A copy of Jocelyn Green's new novel, A Refuge Assured Alison B.

From my Easy Way or Hard Way post - choice of any of my upcoming collections: Melanie Backus

From my Trust post

one of my 2018 releases from Barbour in 2018: First Love Forever collection : Mindy H